King and Queen Reunited

Kurama shook his head as he inspected her again, "It's hard to believe, of course. You don't look like her. But you certainly feel like her." He leaned forward and took the rose from her, expertly avoiding the thorns. "My partner in crime… my beloved sister… Kirei."

Shizuka, her demon name now known – Kirei, bit her bottom lip, the tears spilling from her eyes as she heard him call her name – her true name. Not her human name. She hadn't heard it in years and to hear him say it in his old form and voice. She'd been longing to hear him call her once again. If just once more. She couldn't believe that he sat here in front of her after she searched for him all these years and it wasn't as she expected. He did remember her, even if it took a little while… though the form she inhabited currently didn't help. Still, she leaned forward slightly, looking up at him with hopeful eyes. Hoping that all of this was true and wasn't a lie; wasn't a dream.

Kurama sighed softly at her tears, setting the rose down and gently pulling her into his chest. Even if her form wasn't the same, it was still her. His little sister who he thought he had left behind in the Demon World but, as usual, she had to follow him. He waited patiently as she sobbed into his chest, "I knew you were alive! I've missed you so much!" Her muffled declarations caused his heart to ache and beads of tears welling up in his eyes as he imagined the years he had left the poor girl in the Demon World to wonder about his existence. "I'm sorry, Kirei. I must have worried you greatly." He rubbed soothing circles on her back, slowly calming her shaking form. "I'm here now and I won't leave you again."

Kirei pulled back slightly, wiping her tears, though still calming down, "P-promise?" she hiccupped, beginning to take deep breaths to try and calm herself faster. She pouted, "You never came back the last time…" and her bottom lip quivered with the threat of more tears.

Kurama wiped left over tears with his thumb before resting his hand on her head, ruffling her hair as if she were a child, "I never promised back then… you know the state of mind I was in…" and his eyes misted over as he thought of the passing of his friend from the past; their friend from the past, Kuronue.

Kirei gave a sad sigh, "Oh, Kuronue… you really did break our hearts…" she shook her brother's hand off of her head, however, and glared at him, "You both had to give me grief, though? He always did get you into trouble… even after he passed on he still had to pull you into it and I thought I lost you both!" renewed tears began to fall from her eyes, "I was already going through one loss, you had to give me another!?" she sobbed again, pounding on his chest as she heavily rested her head on it, muffled complaints streaming from her.

Kurama was caught off guard by her reaction before he once again enveloped Kirei in his arms, "Big brother is sorry. I didn't mean to cause you that pain again. I thought I was careful enough but it was difficult to care as my mind drifted." He shook his head with a sigh, "But it doesn't excuse what I put you through, Kirei. I can't apologize enough… if I thought I lost you forever, I don't know what I would do."

Kirei hit him one final time, hard enough to make Kurama wince slightly, as she pulled back and continued to glare at him with a pout, "Big dummy…"

Hiei had left the siblings in the middle of their reunion, the sight hitting home as he thought of his own sister. He was slightly jealous of them, being able to openly display their sibling relationship. But they were of the same profession and grew up together. Hiei and Yukina grew apart, he a thief and a murderer while his sister was as pure as the snow that surrounded her home island. He couldn't possibly tell her and he was glad that those who knew respected that particular decision. Even if some needed some incentive to keep their mouths shut.

Still, he was surprised that Kirei was here. Kurama and he had often shared that pain of missing their sisters. Perhaps it was one of the many reasons he was closer to the fox than anyone else. Yusuke and he shared a different camaraderie but he was still a human and they didn't share much in common aside from fighting. He still was not very fond of Kuwabara and what little respect he had went out the window when he began to fancy his sister. Of course, if he was her choice, then so be it. He just wouldn't be too happy about it.

Hiei wasn't too far off when he had stopped and took refuge in a tree with a fairly full canopy. Very few rays of sunshine could even reach his face and, with this new development, he felt that he could finally rest. He actually hadn't slept for the past few days, too paranoid that whoever did this to Kurama would be back for him. But since he was in good hands, he could finally have a nice nap. He'd have to that Kirei for it later… and possibly apologize. Maybe. It wasn't as if he could have known who it was. He was sure that only her brother could have found out that it was her. She even fooled Koenma… then again, he was a fool anyway. And to think he has both King and Queen working for him. He was sure it wouldn't be for much longer.

If he guessed Kirei's reasoning, she was trying to find her brother. He didn't deserve it, actually. The fox never thought to search for her and let her know that he was alive. He knew the rumors, didn't he? Of how many thought he was supposedly dead after that fatal injury. But there were no rumors about his sister and he could have searched for her. Koenma didn't keep him on nearly as tight a leash as he did with Hiei. Besides, if he remembered correctly, Kurama had been let go for good behavior. Not to mention helping in that case with Yukina. That case still bothered him. Did they think he wouldn't figure it out? They obviously give him less credit than he's worth but he was used to getting underestimated, wasn't he?

Speaking of Yukina, a figure with her outfit walked off in the distance when he opened his eyes. He was surprised anyone else was here on Genkai's property. He couldn't sense anything from them but they were trying to move quietly and probably hoping to not be found. He silently made his way to them and found not one but three there. All females and from the look of it, probably sisters. The one who wore his own sister's garbs only had that similarity with her. The girl's eyes and long hair were a silvery white and she was tall, with elegant movement even in just the way she walked. One of her sisters was her exact opposite. Pitch black long hair, tied in a high ponytail and equally dark eyes. She wore a black kimono with a red obi, both sleeves and hem shorter and freer than her sister. Her movements were graceful in their own way and he could tell that she herself was a swordsman by the way she carried herself. She also had a katana strapped to her waist but her movements were very recognizable for a fellow swordsman. Lastly, who he assumed was the youngest, the third girl had short green hair and emerald eyes and quite a sunnier disposition than her siblings. Not to mention a childish demeanor as she continued to run around them and chatter endlessly.

Hiei supposed it was time to question their reason for being on private property. He was surprised they hadn't noticed his presence, considering they were sneaking around and probably hoping not to be caught. What were three demons like them even doing here in the Human World, anyway? He was hoping to find out as he dropped down, silent as usual, in front of the three. He was met with an unfortunate reaction before he could even open his mouth to ask his question.

"Restrain!" the silver haired one shot a hand out at him and he was instantly unable to move. He nearly fell over in surprise and struggled slightly before sighing in annoyance. He watched as the dark haired one fell into a fighting stance, hand on the hilt of her katana. The third sister actually walked up very close to him, an accusing glare locked onto his annoyed one. "Who are you and why did you sneak up on us?" hands on her hips, attempting to look intimidating. Hiei shut his eyes and sighed again, still rather annoyed. What had he gotten himself into? It was too early and too much was going on for this to happen as well.

The two siblings stopped in the middle of some idle chatter as Kirei looked up at the familiar scent. "Magic. Somewhere in the forest nearby." She stood up and glanced at Kurama, "Come on, let's check it out!" before she ran off on her own. Though he didn't use it, Kurama was familiar with the scent as well considering his sister's love of magic. She was a fair spell caster and it worked well with their nature-related gifts. From what she told him, wizards and witches were very respectful of nature and also very knowledgeable. It only added to their uses of the plants they had used before. It was a fascinating subject and helpful, especially in the past. Though for his current memory, that didn't nearly feel as long as it did to her.

Kurama followed and caught up to her quickly, though neither had to travel very far. His sister frowned as the scent of magic nearly overpowered the girls' scents. He could tell too that they were well versed in the practice and from the look of Hiei, he was currently caught up in one. He stood back, not wanting to make worse a situation that already seemed rather hostile. His sister, however, walked forward fearlessly, causing the young girl who had been in Hiei's face to back away to the protective sisters both also stepping back slightly.

Kirei actually ignored the three girls, studying Hiei. Well, more so the spell that currently had him bound. She glanced at his annoyed and embarrassed face and it took everything in her not to laugh. Though she did have the smile that hinted at laughter and it caused Hiei to growl, tapping his foot rapidly, impatient with the whole situation. "Stop gawking and reverse this. I know you can, Kirei." He didn't meet her eyes as he demanded this, still incredibly abashed about being so easily caught.

Kirei blinked in response, even though she was expecting him to figure it out, it did surprise her a bit. Especially since she didn't notice when he had left the area. She was a bit preoccupied, after all. She stared at him long enough till he looked at her then turned around and looked at the three girls, all of whom fell into some sort of defensive stance. She looked between them before looking to the oldest sister. She was the one who had cast this spell and it was quite a strong one. Not that Kirei couldn't reverse it by herself but it was a way for her to find out about these girls.

"Strong spell, miss." Kirei directly spoke to the silver haired girl, studying her face before forming a barrier around herself, just in case. "But you won't get me as easily." The barrier protected her brother as well, who had moved to stand next to Hiei and staring at him curiously. He still didn't trust anyone else but his sister. However, she seemed to work with them so perhaps they weren't too bad and maybe they had been telling the truth. He really couldn't recall any of them, though, so it was hard to believe.

The barrier glinted slightly as it was being formed and all three girls were surprised at another spell caster... human, no less. To them, at least. The silver girl narrowed her eyes and stepped a bit closer, standing at her full height from the slight crouch she had been in earlier. "And that barrier is quite strong as well. I'm surprised you can do it wordlessly. Even I need to at least say the end word. Just who are you?"

"I don't believe you are in a position to ask questions when you are on private property. Who are you exactly? You wouldn't happen to be responsible for the amnesiac cases that I've had to deal with this past month, would you?" Kirei glared suspiciously, glancing behind her at Kurama who stood closer to her and looked to them in equal suspicion.

This caused the three girls to look shocked and the dark haired sister stood to a neutral stance, though her hand still rested on her katana, just in case. She turned to her older sister, "Shiroko, they seem to be close to the situation. Isn't that youko behind her the most recent victim that brought us here?"

Shiroko, the fair haired one, looked passed Kirei at Kurama who now looked at them curiously. This whole situation was curious and confusing. Then again, he did think that of magic. Especially since not everyone had the affinity for it. He definitely did not. Even as most things came easily to him, this was not one of them. He didn't mind, though. His sister had a strangely incredible affinity for it, even in their earliest years. She truly was amazing.

"You are… Kurama?" But of course, he did look as legends said. And quite the handsome demon as well. Shiroko then looked to the girl. "And did that fire demon call you Kirei? You certainly don't look or feel like the youko of legend."

Kirei rolled her eyes, before a staff appeared on her back. She took it off her back and twirled it above her head. A light encased the school girl and shone from the staff before bother were transformed. Nearly Hiei's height, Kirei now had silver hair and amber eyes, matching her brother aside from her small stature. Her fox ears twitched irritably and her tail followed suit. She wore a kimono similar to the dark haired sister's, except hers was white. She held the staff in front of her, the rare artifact proof enough, especially to fellow spell casters.

The three girl's gasped, "That staff!" they all then bowed at her, low in apology. As they rose, Shiroko looked behind Kirei and was about to stretch her hand out to release Hiei but he was immediately freed before she had the chance to finish the unspoken incantation in her mind. This caused the eldest sister to stare at Kirei in awe. "You really do live up to those rumors. Both brother and sister are amazing." She then bowed again, "I do, once again, apologize. As you've heard, I am Shiroko. These are my sisters." She gestured to them, "Kuroko." The dark haired girl gave a bow in greeting. "And Midoriko." The green haired girl gave a wave, a child-like grin on her face.

"We are the Iro sisters and we are… familiar with the one behind this." Shiroko explained, almost as if ashamed. Kuroko put a hand on her sister's shoulder, "We've met him once when we were younger. He killed our parents. For the very thing I'm sure he is after again." At this point, Midoriko pulled an old, worn book out from the sleeve of a fold in her obi. To Hiei and Kurama, it looked like an ordinary book but Kirei could feel the spells inside of it and it radiated with darkness. It drew her in, like a moth to flame, the power enticing.

"Is that what I think it is?" Kirei asked, almost as if in a trance. She felt someone's hand catch her arm and pull her back, she turned to see Hiei holding her back, surprisingly. Kurama narrowed his eyes lightly at Hiei, unsure if he should pull her away from him before looking at his sister with concern. "Are you alright? You just started moving towards that book automatically, staring at it unblinkingly." Kurama frowned, wondering just what the book was.

"Considering what the book is, I'm not surprised." Hiei replied, still gripping Kirei's arm as he looked to the book as well. "It would be a tome your sister would definitely be able to wield expertly. But its dark nature can turn the user and the stronger your magical affinity, the easier you succumb to it." He looked up to Shiroko, "You must be the guardians of that Cursed Tome. Too bad its counterpart is hardly ever in danger of theft."

Kuroko narrowed her eyes slightly in suspicion. "You're well versed in the tomes." She rose a brow as Midoriko hid the tome away, causing Kirei to snap out of it.

"My profession allowed me to travel around and learn things." Though Hiei's Jagan also glowed at the same time under the headband covering, giving them another hint as to how he knew about all of these things.

Kirei pulled away, taking a deep breath and shaking her head as she came to her senses. She looked to Hiei, a bit embarrassed and gave a small bow in apology and gratitude, doing the same to the three girls. She heaved a heavy sigh, "Alright, well, despite the exclusiveness of the area we are in, I still don't trust such a discussion out in the open with such a sensitive subject. Let's head back to the temple." And she walked off, in a hurry, back to the temple, clearly still disappointed in her behavior.

Kurama glanced at the other four before following after her, easily catching up, "Kirei?"

Kirei smiled a small smile up at Kurama, "Yes, brother?"

Kurama put a hand on her shoulder, rubbing it soothingly, "It's good to see you in your original form again." He decided to distract her from the situation, if only for a moment. They had been interrupted, after all.

Kirei looked down and even around at her long, ankle-length hair. She looked up and touched her fox ears, swaying her tail. She hugged her staff, before looking up at him with a wider smile. "It does feel good to be back in this form." She then put a hand on his arm, "Though I will have to revert back soon… and so will you. When I help regain your lost memory of your human life, you will revert back to that form." She pat his arm, seeing as he wasn't looking forward to it though it wasn't so hard to believe considering his sister was in the same situation.

Instead of dwelling on the inevitable, Kurama looked thoughtful, "Do you really think we'll be able to find out what's been going on if I regain my memory?"

Kirei looked up in thought as well, glancing back as the other four were slowly catching up to them, "Honestly, I couldn't be too sure. In the previous cases, none of those alive could remember when I restored their memory. They only remembered up until the point before meeting whoever had done this." She sighed and looked back up at him. "For all I know, however, considering how you reacted to the spell, it might be different. We can only hope, really."

Finally catching up, Midoriko jumped in between them, "But we already told you we know who did this!"

Kirei sighed, "Yes but I'm sure you aren't here in the Human World because you followed him. Were you perhaps looking for my brother, the latest victim?" she then shook her head. "But we're almost at the temple grounds so we can hold off on this." She didn't trust the fact that they were here, not because she didn't trust them but because if they did indeed know this spell caster then he could have followed them. Her brother was already vulnerable and if this person were to use the spell she was sure to have come next after "erasing his memory", then it would be incredibly dangerous. Thankfully, with his special case, he merely reverted to before his human form. But they could definitely try again and she wouldn't give them the chance.

Genkai, Yusuke and Kuwabara stopped at the huge party returning. Genkai walked forward as Yusuke and Kuwabara kind of just plopped down, exhausted.

"If we die because you overworked us then I'm coming back from the dead to kill you!" Yusuke threatened her as he attempted to get up, barely succeeding. Kuwabara, on the other hand, was used to physical abuse from Yusuke. Not to mention the three, four pretty girls heading his way. Though the original "Shizuka" was nowhere to be seen.

Genkai laughed, "If you die from just this then I think I should go look for another apprentice." She then proceeded to ignore him as she rested a hand on the still demon form female detective. "Welcome back, Kirei."

Kirei shook her head, "This is temporary." And just as she said it, she returned to the slightly taller school girl human form of hers. Even her staff transformed into a normal bow staff and she put it back in its holder on her back before she turned towards the three unknown demons behind her. "Anyway, these are the Iro Sisters. They actually know the culprit behind the amnesiac cases. But I didn't want to talk about it so openly in your forest that seemed quite accessible by them and if so then it would have been for this person as well. Though I've kept up a barrier, just in case." She said this as if it was no big feat but Shiroko was looking at her awe. Out of all of her sisters, Shiroko was the only one gifted with the affinity for magic. Kuroko was, obviously, a swordsman and a fairly gifted one as well. Then their youngest sister was actually a multi-elemental user. Kuroko and Midoriko knew the basics but not as extensively knowledgeable nor able as their eldest sister.

"So that barrier from the beginning…"

Kirei nodded, "Yes, I widened the range gradually. Essentially, we could have continued talking in the forest but I couldn't risk my brother out in the open to another possible attack." She then turned to Genkai, "Shall we take this inside?" she then turned to the three sisters and guided them in.

Yusuke looked to Hiei, Kurama immediately following after his sister with little regard for the rest and would be little help in any answers. "So… that's the sister he would always talk about?"

Hiei nodded, watching the sets of siblings walking into the temple with Genkai, "At least we don't have to worry about him running away or attacking us anymore." He then followed after the group at a swift pace.

Kuwabara looked to Yusuke who sighed and began to walk after them. "Well, I'm obviously not the lead detective in this case, huh?"

Kuwabara laughed, "Can't really blame her, though. You know we both have no idea what's going on."

Yusuke rolled his eyes, "Yeah, 'cause that makes me feel so much better. Well, whatever, at least they're not shoveling everything on me this time." He shrugged, walking at a pace that said differently as he was pretty curious himself.

Kirei looked up when the stragglers finally joined them, "Since we're all here now, why don't you three begin explaining." directing her focus to the sisters. Though she glanced at Hiei, quite surprised that he knew about the tome as well. It was a bit worrisome that they had so many valuable assets to be made future victims for this spell caster whom she was sure was after the tome. She thought about her brother and how she still had to restore his human life's memory. She still couldn't believe someone caught him unawares. But then again, she was certain she wasn't dealing with an ordinary spell caster. Probably one of her skill level. She certainly couldn't wait to face this person, though. They would pay for touching her kin.

AW: Well, long-awaited chapter? Here it is! For whoever has joined me on this ride~ Work has been kicking my ass so it's been a slow rolling. I hope to update at a more consistent scheduled day. Hard for me to follow sometimes, though, considering my muse will feel like one thing despite the schedule. Anywho, I hope you enjoyed it and please review with any comments or concerns!